Today marks four decades since Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was formally returned to its Traditional Owners, the Anangu people — a pivotal moment in the history of Indigenous land rights in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, have travelled to Central Australia to join anniversary commemorations.
The theme for this year’s celebration — Fire of the Past, Igniting the Hearts of the Future (Waru Iritinguru, Tiliningi Kurunpa Kuranyukutungku Katiringkupai) — reflects the enduring stewardship of Anangu over the land.
A public event at the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku sunrise viewing area is showcasing Anangu arts and crafts, inma (traditional dance), and local Indigenous performers. A special exhibition highlighting 40 years of joint management is also on display at the Uluru Cultural Centre.
Prime Minister Albanese said the Handback “stands tall in the story of our nation”, acknowledging Anangu’s unbroken spiritual connection to Country.
“It is a deep honour for me to be the first Prime Minister to attend a Handback Anniversary.”
Known as the Handback, the milestone followed years of advocacy by Anangu for their cultural and legal rights to be recognised. In 1983, then–Prime Minister Bob Hawke pledged to amend the Aboriginal Land Rights Act to return legal ownership of the park. On 26 October 1985, the Hawke Labor Government and Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen handed over the title deeds during a landmark ceremony in Muṯitjulu.
As part of the arrangement, Anangu signed a 99-year lease to jointly manage the national park with the Commonwealth through the Director of National Parks — a partnership that continues today.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board Chair Tapaya Edwards said the anniversary reinforces the importance of protecting Anangu law and culture for generations to come. “There is still much work to be done,” she said, highlighting the role of young people in caring for Country and keeping Tjukurpa strong.
Minister Watt noted that upgrades have recently been delivered at the Cultural Centre and across the park, with further improvements planned to ensure visitors can continue to engage with the World Heritage-listed landscape.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the Handback remains a defining act of justice, laying the foundation for future land returns and strengthening collaboration between governments and First Nations communities.
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